Ep 307: Teen Parenting Mistakes and Wisdom

Amy Betters-Midtvedt, author of You'll Make It, and They Will
Too, joins us to share her experience raising five teenagers and
offers practical advice on effective communication, handling
dating and social media, and fostering mental health and
responsibility.


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that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.


Full Show Notes





Parenting teens can often feel like navigating a minefield,
fraught with miscommunications, emotional upheavals, and a
constant barrage of new challenges. Many parents find themselves
at a loss, longing for the days when their greatest worry was
whether their child would eat their vegetables or play nicely
with others. When it comes to teenagers, the stakes often feel
much higher, and the navigation significantly murkier.


How do you maintain open lines of communication with your teen?
What should you do when they break the rules or need direction?
How can you help them deal with the pressures of social media, or
the heartbreak of their first serious relationship?


We’re joined this week by Amy Betters-Midtvedt, an author and
seasoned parent who knows these challenges all too well. Amy is
the author of the new book, You'll Make It, and They Will Too:
Everything No One Talks About When You're Parenting Teens. With
five teenagers of her own, Amy has seen and experienced the
multitudes of teenage tribulations and triumphs. Her engaging
narratives and insightful advice have garnered her over a million
readers and appearances in publications like HuffPost and Parents
Magazine.


The Inspiration Behind the Book


Amy reveals that the idea for her book came from personal moments
of loneliness and confusion, wondering if other parents dealt
with similar struggles. She highlights that conversations about
parenting teens often fall silent, creating isolation for
parents. Her goal with the book is to provide guidance and
camaraderie, sharing wisdom and commiserative anecdotes in an
easily digestible format.


Effective Communication with Teens


One of the standout strategies Amy discusses is the power of
noticing and naming positive behaviors. Highlighting what
children are doing right can help reinforce those behaviors,
whereas constantly pointing out what they’re doing wrong can tear
down their self-esteem and create friction. As an educator, Amy
understands the profound impact that language can have on shaping
a child's self-perception and her approach has been both simple
and transformative.


Different Kids, Different Rules


Amy’s experience with five unique children underscores the
necessity of individualizing rules and expectations. She compares
this to how different injuries require different treatments
rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This strategy is
respectful of each child’s individual journey and needs, rather
than trying to enforce uniformity. This personal touch helps keep
the lines of communication open and reinforces trust within the
family.


Handling Dating and Romantic Relationships


When it comes to teenage dating and relationships, Amy
underscores the importance of being a supportive, non-judgmental,
listening ear. Navigating teenage heartbreak is about empathy and
presence, rather than rushing in to solve or fix their problems.
She also emphasizes the importance of knowing when professional
help is needed for mental health issues, drawing parallels to how
we wouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help for a physical injury.


Welcoming the Teen Coming Home from College


A special chapter discusses the unique challenges and joys of
welcoming home a college student. Amy talks about managing
expectations and understanding that the child who comes back from
college may be different from the one who left. Supporting their
newfound independence while maintaining house rules requires a
delicate balance, but it’s a rewarding experience.


In the Episode…


Amy Betters-Midtvedt shares invaluable advice that any parent of
a teen can benefit from:


How to maintain open and effective communication with teens

Balancing different rules for different kids

Empathizing and supporting teens through heartbreak

Understanding the importance of professional help for mental
health

Navigating the dynamics when college kids return home



This episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt advice
that make it a must-listen for anyone parenting teens. Amy’s
experiences and insights offer a reassuring reminder that you’re
not alone in the journey and that with understanding and love,
you and your teen will indeed make it.


For more of Amy's wisdom and updates, you can follow her on her
blog at AmyBettersMidtvedt.com and connect with her on social
media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
@AmyBettersMidtvedt.


Tune in to this enlightening episode and subscribe to Talking to
Teens for more expert advice on navigating the teenage years!





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.